Stator current fault diagnosis of induction motor bearings based on the fast Fourier transform

Abstract

Monitoring of the technical state of induction motor bearings is one of the important indicators of reliable and efficient operation of industrial electrical drives. This article considers the problems of fault diagnosis of induction motor bearings with a squirrel-cage rotor by stator consumption current. Test results on an experimental test bench with an electromagnetic powder brake are presented and analyzed. Experiments were carried out during tests of the induction motor at the rated mode with an operable bearing and alternately with two faulty bearings with defects at the inner and outer parts of cages. The characteristic harmonic components of stator currents appearing during operation of the induction motor with faulty bearings are presented. It is revealed that an anticipatory diagnosis of induction motors by stator current makes it possible to reveal the air-gap eccentricity due to the operation of an electric motor with a damaged bearing. Control of the technical state of bearings is important both during at the stage of manufacturing machines, in particularly for powerful and crucial mechanisms, and during their use. The basic features of monitoring the bearings are revealed, and recommendations for diagnosis by stator currents are presented.